University of Toronto Signs Backstroke Sprinter Kylie Masse

Photo Courtesy: Toronto Athletics

TORONTO, Canada, January 20. THE University of Toronto Varsity Blues swimming program is pleased to announce that Kylie Masse has signed a letter of intent and committed to swim for the Varsity Blues in the fall of 2014.

A native of Windsor, Masse was the top ranked swimmer in her graduating class both the short and long course 50-metre backstroke. In addition, she was ranked second in Canada in both the 50 and 100 butterfly events, behind World Championship qualifier Noemi Thomas.

“Kylie is certainly one of the top swimmers in the country and we are excited to have her join our team in the fall,” said Varsity Blues head coach Byron MacDonald. “She has natural speed and has a great upside. We will be shooting for berths on international teams for Kylie.”

Masse won four gold relay medals at the Canada Games last summer while representing Ontario. She split a blistering 60.4 for her butterfly leg and 25-plus for freestyle. She also won a bronze medal in the 50 butterfly.

“Kylie loves to race and really rises to the challenge,” added MacDonald. “Another reason she will be a great addition to our team.”

Also signing with U of T is Leena Struzina, a distance freestyle specialist from Bowmanville.

“Leena trains with the Toronto Swim Club and their top group trains at U of T often so I have watched her over this past year,” said MacDonald. “We are pleased to have such a hard working top student on our team. She is always smiling and her positive approach will be appreciated for sure.”

Students who sign a letter of intent and commit to Varsity Blues intercollegiate teams will be eligible to play/participate at the University of Toronto provided they are academically admissible and have applied through the normal process with the Ontario Universities Application Centre.

The above article is a unedited press release submitted to Swimming World. To reach our audience, contact us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com.

Author: Jason Marsteller

Jason Marsteller is the general manager of digital properties at Swimming World. He joined Swimming World in June 2006 as the managing editor after previous stints as a media relations professional at Indiana University, the University of Tennessee, Southern Utah University and the Utah Summer Games.